IW 7-53 Guernsey II
Guernsey II, aka St Jacques Vikings, showed why they are champions elect with a comprehensive win over IW at Wootton Rec. In spite of the large margin of defeat, IW could walk off with their heads held high. Still with a host of players unavailable, the Islanders paraded something of a makeshift line-up, but made the Vikings work hard and matched the victors for long periods of the game.
One measure of the depletion of IW playing strength in recent weeks was that of the six players who have represented them at scrum-half this season, none were available. It was left to Dan Tennant, usually a forward, to occupy the position in his first game since October, while Andy Rann and James Webster filled in at fly-half. In contrast, Guernsey travelled at close to full strength. In perfect playing conditions, the first quarter saw nothing between the sides. While the Channel Islanders looked dangerous when moving the ball, IW’s defence contained them and the home side enjoyed some good possession of their own, though equally not getting any change from the opposition rearguard. IW did have an opportunity to open the scoring, but George Huish’s penalty effort went wide.
The second quarter of the match was a very different story, the outcome being decided by a St Jacques purple patch. They opened the scoring on 18 minutes, IW running out of bodies after a strong defensive set. The rest of the half was mostly one-way traffic, IW unable to get their hands on the ball, as the Vikings played simply outstanding rugby, their exceptional number 8 leading the charge. With all their players comfortable on the ball and power and pace all over the field, they over-ran the outmatched hosts in this period, punishing every loose kick and missed tackle. They secured the four-try bonus point three minutes before half-time, and added another with the last play of the half to lead 29-0.
It was a bleak outlook for IW, not improved by concession of a further seven-pointer shortly after the restart. However, the home side’s response was heartening and showcased the best of this team in adversity. The next 20 minutes were dominated by IW, who had long spells of possession in the opposing half and 22. Their problem was that they couldn’t score, as the Guernsey defence was determined and scrambled well. Huish, though well short of 100% fitness, cut a great line and grounded the ball literally inches short of the line, while captain Andy Brown was also agonisingly close to opening the IW account. Eventually, the siege was lifted and Guernsey showed their far superior cutting edge, scoring two tries in a three-minute spell.
Back came IW though, with eye-catching carries by the hard-working Brown and gazelle-like Callum Pudney. The scrum had been an engrossing battle throughout, with IW on top but the Vikings strong enough to retain their own ball. Now though, IW turned the screw, the front row of Ricky Keyes, Ian Bennett and Biffa man of the match Martin Newnham leading the charge. From a close-in attacking scrum, the Island eight went forward, and Fountain Inn man of the match Tennant made the most of penalty advantage to reach out and touch down for a well deserved try. Keyes added the conversion. It was fitting though that the accomplished Guernsey side had the final word with another fine score from their dazzling backs. On this form, even a full-strength IW side would have been unlikely to dent their unblemished record, and they could clinch the league title as early as next weekend.
It has been a difficult few weeks for IW, but there were signs in this performance that a corner may have been turned. They will hope to prove this when hosting bottom side Gosport & Fareham II on Saturday, while the seconds entertain Petersfield.
IW: Huish, Rolfe, Jones-Evans, Webster, C Browne, Rann, Tennant, Newnham, Bennett, Keyes, Blackburn, Raunigger, Pudney, Lynch, Brown ©. Replacements: D Bishop, J Bishop, Wynyard-Wright.
